News & Events

INSTALLATION: The Middle

INSTALLATION: The Middle

Polly Jacobs Giacchina was inspired early on in college and by individual leading artists, absorbing distinct views of art and fiber that brought on her own desire for exploration of natural materials through basketry sculpture. INSTALLATION STATEMENT FROM THE ARTIST: “Being surrounded by a natural environment draws me in. It fosters wonder, a chance to […]

Subject Matter in Art: What it Says About the Artist

Abstract art piece photo

Art is a beautiful expression of human creativity, simply because it does not need to be confined to a single person’s experience or definition. What the artist attempts to portray in their painting, drawing, or sculpture, could be worlds away from what viewers experience. Art is almost like a living being, in that everyone will […]

“Paisanos” Panel Discussion: Border Art and Cultural Opportunities in San Diego & Tijuana

“Paisanos” Panel Discussion: Border Art and Cultural Opportunities in San Diego & Tijuana

San Diego and Tijuana are geographically and historically sister cities, but in many ways today, they can seem worlds apart. Art and culture continue to bridge the physical boundary between the countries, fostering ongoing connections between creators and patrons in both regions. “Paisanos”, a project coordinated by the Instituto Municipal de Arte y Cultura de […]

Q&A With Daniel Ketelhut

Q&A With Daniel Ketelhut

Abstract painter Daniel Ketlehut’s first solo exhibition at Sparks, Figmented Reality, debuted early this January as the first of our 2023 shows centered around the theme of “Imagination”. Along with Ketelhut’s description of what he sees in his work, viewers can find themselves creating entire narratives and scenes based on their own interpretations of a […]

Buying Art for Beginners: Tips & Myths

Buying art for beginners tips

Art is one of the oldest forms of human expression. It can be used to communicate ideas, tell stories, or elicit emotion. For centuries, art has been a way for people to express their unique individuality and personal style. If you’re interested in buying art online or in person but don’t know where to start, […]

What is Conceptual Art? Overview with Examples

What is conceptual art

Conceptual art strives to break the conventional notions of traditional art. It subscribes to the value that the concept or idea is more important than the art object. Conceptual art embraces everyday objects and ready-made things to convey ideas and commentary on society or social norms. By understanding what conceptual art is, its purpose, and its examples, […]

GuruShots Photo Exhibition at Sparks Gallery

GuruShots Photo Exhibition at Sparks Gallery

October 7-9, 2022 GuruShots is a digital platform that gives photographers from around the world an opportunity to submit their work for a variety of thematic photo challenges every day. They seek to motivate, challenge, inspire, and empower photographers to expand their careers and exposure to a broader audience. Winning shots are chosen to be […]

How to Choose the Perfect Pedestal for Your Sculpture

Marble Pedestals for sculpture with grey background

Pedestals for sculptures are like a small stage to perform and tell a story. A pedestal must support the sculpture while bringing attention to the piece and allowing others to view the artwork from the appropriate angles. While pedestals and bases are subordinate to the work, they can also help a sculpture stand out, if […]

How Does Fine Art Appraisal Work? (Why You Need Them)

A professional art appraiser appraising fine art

Have you ever discovered what looks like a piece of fine art covered in years of dust in the attic? Wondering if it is an original or worth any money? Are you simply looking for an official evaluation of your family’s fine art estate for an insurance company? Would you like to know the asking […]

Q&A With Duke Windsor

Q&A With Duke Windsor

Represented artist Duke Windsor returns for his second solo exhibition at Sparks: “Reverence“, a show both physically and conceptually resplendent. Windsor gilds his artwork with luminous gold leaf to honor and revere each subject. The artist shares his extensive historical and contemporary inspirations that have driven his creativity over the decades, and discusses some techniques […]